Chapter 93: Departure and the Target
—How unfortunate.
Under the absolute dominance of his Observation Haki, every move was already predicted. Rhodes simply tilted his head to dodge the sneak attack.
A massive bullet streaked past his ear, creating a powerful gust that lifted his hair slightly, making it flow gracefully.
"A billion berry bounty? Looks like this journey won't be boring."
Rhodes smiled faintly.
"You... are you a demon?"
The assassin, completely stunned, spoke with a trembling voice.
"That's close enough."
Rhodes didn't bother drawing his sword. He raised his left hand, and instantly, an arc of electricity erupted from his palm, then coalesced within it, forming into a lightning spear that blazed brilliantly.
Boom!
He hurled it forward, the spear piercing through the air, blazing brighter than the sun itself.
The assassin tried to flee, but was instantly caught.
Puff!
In an instant, the lightning spear pierced the assassin's body and exploded.
BOOM!
The assassin's body was instantly obliterated, flesh and bone scattered everywhere. A faint, nauseating smell of charred flesh filled the air.
"What a gruesome end. Who dared to provoke me?"
Rhodes shook his head and turned to leave.
Shortly after his departure, dozens of figures suddenly appeared in the area. Each radiated a cold aura and wore dark clothing—clearly powerful figures from the underworld.
They gasped as they looked at the scattered flesh and bone fragments on the ground, not a single piece left intact.
"This is too brutal!"
"Completely obliterated!"
"Only a demon could do something like this."
The assassins broke out in cold sweat, their backs shivering. They exchanged glances, each revealing deep awe and fear.
What kind of powerful person is most terrifying? Of course, those with such merciless methods.
When Rhodes returned to the port, Gates had already prepared everything. As soon as Rhodes boarded the ship, they weighed anchor and set sail, departing from Sabaody Archipelago.
At this moment, a large crowd still stood at the harbor, their gaze fixed on the receding vessel, an inexplicable sense of anticipation filling them.
"This sea is about to undergo a major transformation."
This thought flashed through everyone's mind almost simultaneously.
Baltigo
Koala had recently been working with intelligence chief Belo Betty, and was currently sorting through recent maritime intelligence in the headquarters' castle conference room.
Naturally intelligent, Koala excelled at intelligence work and found it deeply fascinating.
A few days ago, she was the first to learn of Rhodes' assassination of Diamante at Sabaody Archipelago.
This near real-time tracking of Rhodes felt like she was following his journey step by step.
Suddenly, she paused, then stood up in shock.
"Report! A one billion berry bounty has appeared in the underworld!"
"What?!"
Belo Betty, standing nearby, was startled. She quickly took the document and glanced at it, her expression suddenly becoming strange.
Seeing her reaction, Koala was also confused. What did this attitude mean?
One billion berries!
While the underworld's bounties might not carry the same weight as the World Government's, they were still significant. One billion berries was equivalent to someone like Drought Jack!
"Take a look for yourself."
Koala examined it closely, her eyes widening as she nearly crushed the intelligence report in her hand, her pretty face filled with disbelief.
"Have the Donquixote Family gone mad? They're offering a one billion berry bounty for Rhodes' head!"
Her attention had been drawn to the massive sum, and she hadn't paid attention to the specifics initially.
Koala continued reading, finally understanding the situation, and couldn't help but smile wryly.
"So it's Vice Admiral Momousagi who's forced Doflamingo to avoid acting personally, making him rely on the underworld instead."
"One billion berries! That's the highest bounty ever offered in the underworld. I'm sure the entire criminal underground is in chaos right now."
"Yes, even the top assassin 'Night Blade' has accepted the contract."
The Revolutionary Army frequently operated in the shadows, and they were intimately familiar with every aspect of the underworld.
This assassin, codenamed "Night Blade," was recorded in their files and was said to possess a unique Devil Fruit ability perfectly suited for assassination work.
In reality, nearly all ace assassins possessed special Devil Fruit powers, capable of delivering a killing blow from the shadows.
Even high-ranking officers of the Revolutionary Army would be cautious and retreat if they encountered such individuals.
Belo Betty, however, smiled.
"That's what you call experience."
Koala forced a smile, worry evident on her face.
No, I have to warn Rhodes about this.
She secretly resolved to contact him via Den Den Mushi after work.
On the azure sea, a large sailing vessel cut through the waves.
After setting sail, Gates and the others visibly relaxed, as accurately locating and capturing a ship at sea was an extremely difficult task.
However, it was always better to be safe than sorry. To be cautious, Gates plotted a more secluded route using his Log Pose.
Rhodes didn't mind this approach, but simply instructed Gates to set Arabasta as their final destination before Reverse Mountain.
This had been his intended destination from the beginning.
As the second stage of the Technique Codex gradually neared completion, Rhodes had already guessed the next advancement requirements with high accuracy.
Rather than his previous superficial understanding of it as merely a status promotion, Rhodes now viewed this advancement requirement as a reflection of one's influence on the world.
The influence of the Shichibukai undoubtedly corresponded to the Technique Codex's transformation from the second to the third stage.
While the Seven Warlords of the Sea were mostly considered a joke by the truly powerful, they were regarded as one of the three great powers of the Grand Line—alongside Marine Headquarters and the Four Emperors—in the eyes of ordinary people worldwide.
The current Seven Warlords roster was complete:
Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman; Bartholomew Kuma, the Tyrant; Donquixote Doflamingo, the Heavenly Yaksha; Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress; Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea; Gecko Moria; and Crocodile.
Rhodes' only hope of becoming a Warlord was for one of them to be removed from their position.
Rhodes' options were limited. This wasn't just a matter of strength, but also of opportunity. The Seven Warlords of the Sea were appointed by the World Government and were essentially government-sanctioned privateers. As long as they hadn't committed serious crimes against member nations, they enjoyed the legal right to plunder, and the World Government and Navy had an obligation to protect them.
"Crocodile, I don't mean to target you specifically. It's just that you're weak and your ambitions regarding that kingdom make you the perfect candidate."
Rhodes stood on the deck, gazing out at the sea, his thoughts calm and focused.
Little Yukiko was concentrating on her sword practice, working on the fundamentals of swordsmanship.
But her talent was truly average.
Despite her diligent effort and focus, and despite Rhodes' generous guidance, she remained a slow learner.
After more than a month of practice, Yukiko's swordsmanship had improved very little, but her culinary skills had advanced significantly. Her knife work had improved dramatically, and she was more adept at handling ingredients. The food she prepared was even more delicious, which delighted Rhodes greatly.
Little Yukiko, on the other hand, was nearly in tears over her lack of sword progress.
(End of Chapter)
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